Eyewear having selectively exposable feature

ABSTRACT

Apparatuses, systems and methods for wearable devices such as eyewear are described. According to one embodiment, the wearable device includes a body, electronics, and a connector. The body is configured to hold one or more optical elements, the body being disposable between a collapsed condition and a wearable condition in which the device is wearable by a user to hold the one or more optical elements within user view. The electronics are carried by the body. The connector is configured to enable establishment of an electrical and/or electronic connection with the electronics via the connector, the connector being housed by the body such that the connector is substantially obscured from view when the body is in the wearable condition, and such that the connector is exposed for connective access when the body is in the collapsed condition.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to co-pending U.S. application Ser. No.14/687,362, entitled “EYEWEAR HAVING LINKAGE ASSEMBLY BETWEEN A TEMPLEAND A FRAME” filed Apr. 15, 2015, on the same date as the presentapplication and the contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to eyewear.Specifically, the present disclosure addresses apparatuses, systems andmethods for eyewear including a connector that is selectively exposablewith movement of the eyewear's temple.

BACKGROUND

Eyewear, especially those carrying onboard electronics, can be bulky,making them difficult to transport when not being worn. Additionally,the electronics often include ports or other connection mechanisms forthe transfer of power and/or data. These factors often causeelectronically-enabled eyewear to be unwieldy, unsightly, or both.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not by wayof limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a system including eyewear and acase according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1A is a rear perspective view of the system of FIG. 1 including thecase and a cable coupled to the case according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a portion of the cable from FIG. 1Baccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 1C is an enlargement of an interior portion of a case from FIG. 1illustrating a connector according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1D is a perspective view of the portion of the cable of FIG. 1Bmounted to the eyewear according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of eyewear comprising smart glassesaccording to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a system including eyewear, according to anexample embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of a frame and a portion of atemple of eyewear in an extended first position according to an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the portion of the frame and the portionof a temple of the eyewear of FIG. 4 in a folded second positionaccording to an example embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a first connector disposed in the frameat a hinge portion of the frame and a second connector disposed in thetemple, according to an example embodiment.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are plan views of the temple and the second connectordisposed in the temple according to the example embodiment of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a method related to the eyeglassesaccording to some example embodiments.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are plan views of a linkage assembly coupling theframe to the temple according to some example embodiments.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C are views of a linkage assembly coupling the frameto the temple according to some example embodiments.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are views of eyewear including another linkageassembly and a connector in communication with electronics according tosome example embodiments.

OVERVIEW

A brief overview of some aspects of the disclosure with reference toselected drawings follows, after which various features of the disclosedsubject matter will be described in greater detail.

One aspect of the disclosure provides an eyewear article with onboardelectronics that includes a charging and/or data interface or port thatis hidden from view when the eyewear article is in a wearableconfiguration (e.g., FIG. 4), the interface or port being exposed forcoupling with an external power and/or data source when the eyeweararticle is in a folded or collapsed configuration (e.g., FIGS. 1D and6), to provide a data and/or power link to the external source via theinterface or port.

For ease of description, the article of eyewear is further in thisoverview referred to as smart glasses. The port may comprise anysuitable connector configured for contact coupling with a complementaryconnector to establish an electrical and/or electronic link, includingfor example a socket, a plug, a contact pin, a contact pad, micro-USB,or the like.

The smart glasses may have a body comprising a lens-carrying frame and apair of temples hingedly mounted on opposite ends of the frame. Thesmart glasses are in such cases in the wearable configuration or modewhen both temples are substantially fully unfolded for reception onopposite sides of a user's head. In contrast, the smart glasses are inthe folded condition when at least one of the temples is hingedly foldedtowards the frame sufficiently to expose the port for connection to theexternal source. The folded condition thus includes both a fully foldedcondition in which both temples are hinged fully inwardly towards theframe (e.g., FIG. 1), and partially folded condition (e.g., FIGS. 6 and10B).

In some embodiments, the port is located at a hinge joint where one ofthe temples is hingedly connected to the frame. The port may be locatedon one of a pair of joint faces provided by the frame and the templerespectively, the joint faces being in face-to-face abutment when in thewearable condition (e.g., FIG. 4), and being spaced from one anotherwhen in the folded condition (see, e.g., exposed end faces 322 and 334in FIG. 6). In other embodiments, dual ports may be implemented with asingle port on each temple (along with associated electronicscomponents).

A port or connector may be provided on the frame's joint face (e.g.,FIG. 5), on the temple's joint face, or on both (e.g., FIG. 6). In someembodiments, electrical/electronic components may be carried both by theframe and at least one of temples. In such cases, the temple and theframe may carry cooperating ports configured for automatic contactcoupling when the smart glasses are in the wearing condition, to providea data and/or power connection between electronics in the temple andelectronics in the frame. See, for example, FIG. 6, in which a pair ofpogo pins 352 on an end face of the temple automatically contactscorresponding contact pads 342 on a rear end face of the frame.

The hinge joint may include a mechanism to promote continuous contactengagement between the cooperating ports on the temple and the framewhen the smart glasses are worn, for example comprising cooperatingmagnetic elements on the frame and the temple respectively. In theexample embodiment of FIG. 6, for example, a magnet 344 on a rear endface of the frame is brought into close proximity with a ferromagneticpad incorporated in the temple near its end face 322 when the temple ismoved into position for wearing of the smart glasses.

When the smart glasses are in the folded condition, its onboardelectronics can be connected to the external source via a cable withhaving a connector complementary to the port (e.g., FIG. 1D). In someembodiments, the connection provided via the port includes a dataconnection for transmitting data signals, enabling information uploadand/or download between the external source and the smart glasses.Instead, or in addition, the port connection in some embodimentsprovides a power connection to enable, for example, recharging of anonboard battery of the smart glasses.

Another aspect of the disclosure comprises a holder for the smartglasses, the holder having a base connector configured for contactcoupling with the port of the smart glasses when they are received bythe holder in a fully folded condition. In some embodiments, the holderis a case (see, e.g., FIGS. 1 and 1A) that defines a storage formationcomplementary to the smart glasses in the folded condition, with thebase connector positioned in the interior of the case for automaticcoupling with the exposed port when the folded smart glasses are engagedwith the storage formation. In some embodiments, the case includes abattery connected to the base connector for charging the stowed smartglasses via the port. In some embodiments, the case includes an externalport that is connected to the base port and that is accessible from theexterior of the case for wired connection to an external source (see,e.g., FIG. 1A).

A further aspect of the disclosure thus includes a kit or systemcomprising the smart glasses and a complementary holder configured forcoupling with the port when the smart glasses are held thereby.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The description that follows includes apparatuses, systems, methods, andtechniques that embody illustrative examples of the disclosure. In thefollowing description, for the purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding ofvarious embodiments of the inventive subject matter. It will be evident,however, to those skilled in the art, that embodiments of the inventivesubject matter maybe practiced without these specific details. Ingeneral, well-known structures and techniques are not necessarily shownin detail.

FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D illustrate a smart eyewear kit 10 includinga wearable electronic device according to one example embodiment. Thekit 10 in this example includes an article of electronics-enabledeyewear in the form of a pair of smart glasses 12, a container or holderin the example form of a case 14, and a cable 16. The glasses 12 cangenerally include a frame 18, temples 20A and 20B, and electronics(including a connector (not shown)); the details of each will bediscussed in further detail subsequently. The case 14 can includeelectronic connectors in the example form of a base or internalconnector 22 and an external port or connector 24 as illustrated inFIGS. 1A and 1C. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the cable 16 can include aconnector 26 at a first end 28 thereof.

As illustrated variously in FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D the glasses 12,the case 14, and the cable 16 can interact together in various ways andfor various purposes. For example, the case 14 can be used to transportand protect the glasses 12, to charge the electronics incorporated inthe glasses 12, and/or to communicate with the electronics of theglasses 12. Thus, in some embodiments the case 14 houses a battery andcan be an external source of power for the glasses 12. The internalconnector 22 is configured to couple to the corresponding connector ofthe glasses 12 for power and/or data communication when the glasses 12are docked in the case 14. As such, the interior of the case can beshaped to receive the glasses 12 only when the temples 20A, 20B arefolded. The shape of the interior also can be such that the port of theglasses interfaces directly with the internal connector 22 when theglasses are docked in the case 14 with little slippage or movementoccurring between the case 14 and the glasses 12. Although illustratedas pogo pin/pad connections, the connectors can be of virtually any typeknown in the art for power and/or data communication such as micro-USB,or the like.

According to some embodiments, the connector 26 of the cable 16 isconfigured to couple to the glasses 12 as illustrated in FIG. 1D. Inparticular, the connector 26 can be provided with a partially recessedface that is configured to mount on the frame 18 in portion 30 when thehinge 20A is pivoted to a charging position. Such coupling can occur,for example, when the temple 20A is disposed in the folded positionaccording to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the cable 16 isconfigured to couple with an external source of power, data, or powerand data for the electronics mounted to the glasses 12. According toadditional embodiments the connector 26 of the cable 16 can additionallybe configured to couple to at least one of the connectors 22, 24 of thecase 14. A second end of the cable 16 can be configured to couple withthe external source of power, data, or power and data for theelectronics housed within the case 14.

As shown in FIG. 1, the case 14 is configured to receive the frame 18and the temples 20A and 20B therein with the temples 20A and 20Bdisposed in a folded position relative to the frame 18. In such aposition, the internal connector 22 (FIG. 1C) interfaces with and isconfigured to couple to the connector (shown subsequently) of theglasses 12. As discussed, in addition to the internal connector 22 andexternal connector 24 (FIG. 1A), the case 14 can be configured to houseelectronics such as a battery used to charge and/or communicate with theelectronics of the glasses 12.

FIG. 1A illustrates a second side of the case 14 coupled to the cable 16at the external connector 24 (covered by the connector 26 of the cable16). Although illustrated on a second (e.g., rear) side of the case 14in the embodiment of FIG. 1A, in other embodiments the externalconnector 24 can be located on a front side, an interior, or on othersides of the case 14. As shown in FIG. 1A, the connector 26 of the cable14 can be coupled to and decoupled from the external connector 24. FIG.1B illustrates the connector 26 of the cable 14 as a pogo-pin typeconnection disposed in a recess. A magnet or magnetically attractedmaterial 27 can be positioned along the face of the connector 26 such asbetween the pogo-pin type connection illustrated. According to otherexamples, the connector 26 can be of any type known in the art for powerand/or data communication such as a micro-USB, or the like.

FIG. 1C illustrates the internal connector 22 disposed in the interiorof the case 14. The interior of the case 14 is configured to dispose theconnector of the eyewear to interface with and couple with the internalconnector 22. As illustrated, the internal connector 22 comprises a pogopin type connection although other types of connections such asmicro-USB are anticipated. According to the illustrated example of FIG.1C, the internal connector 22 includes a piece of magnet 23 or magnetattractable material that is attracted to a magnetic field. Acorresponding magnet or attractable material can be utilized on theglasses 12. As such, the magnet 23 or other material may be used to aidin coupling of the connectors between the glasses 12 and the case 14 (orthe glasses 12 and the cable 16).

FIG. 1D shows the connector 26 of the cable 16 coupled to the glasses12, specifically the frame 18. In FIG. 1D, the temple 20A (FIG. 1) isremoved for illustrative purposes. The connector 26 is configured tocouple to the frame 18 at one of two generally opposing connectionportions, of which only connection portion 30 is illustrated in FIG. 1D.As discussed previously, the cable 16 can couple with an external sourceof power, data, or power and data for the electronics housed within theframe 18. Although not illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 1D, it isanticipated that in other embodiments the connector 26 can mount to oneor more of the temples 20A and 20B (FIG. 1) such as the temple 20A(FIG. 1) rather than the frame 18. Alternatively, the cable 16 can beconfigured to mount to both the temple 20A and the frame 18 such as withthe use of dual connectors. According to further embodiments, twoconnectors (e.g., two connectors on the interior of the case 14, a cablewith two connectors, two cables each with a connector, and the like) canbe utilized one for each of the connection portions of the frame 18. Inother embodiments, similar two connector arrangements can be utilized tocouple two connectors one on each temple of the eyewear. In yet furtherexample embodiments, the number of connectors and the number of pins,ports, pads, and the like for each connector can vary as desired. Suchvariation can be dictated by operation requirements, for example.Operation requirements can include a need for power and/or data transferto or from the electronics mounted to the glasses 12.

FIG. 2 shows an example embodiment of the eyewear 31 as illustrated in afront perspective view. Eyewear 31 can have similar features (e.g.,electronics) to those previously discussed with reference to glasses 12.As discussed previously, the eyewear 31 can include a frame 32. Theframe 32 can be made from any suitable material such as plastic ormetal, including any suitable shape memory alloy. The frame 32 can havea front piece 33 that can include a first or left lens, display oroptical element holder 36 and a second or right lens, display or opticalelement holder 37 connected by a bridge 38. The front piece 33additionally includes a first connection portion 41 (similar to thefirst connection portion 30 illustrated previously in FIG. 1D) and asecond connection portion 42. A first or left optical element 43 and asecond or right optical element 44 can be provided within respectiveleft and right optical element holders 36, 37. Each of the opticalelements 43, 44 can be a lens, a display (e.g., LCD), a display assemblyor a combination of the foregoing. Any of the display assembliesdisclosed herein can be provided in the eyewear 31.

Eyewear 31 additionally includes first and second temple pieces 46, 47(similar to the first temple piece 20A and the second temple piece 20Bdiscussed previously). The first temple piece 46 and the second templepiece 47 are configured to selectively interface with the respectivefirst and second connection portions 41, 42 such as when the templepieces 46, 47 are in a first wearable position similar the oneillustrated in FIG. 2. The first and second temple pieces 46, 47 areconfigured to be coupled to the respective first and second connectionportions 41, 42 located generally at opposing end portions of the frontpiece 33. Suitable means for coupling the first and second temple pieces46, 47 to the respective first and second connection portions 41, 42will be described in further detail subsequently. In brief, coupling cancomprise, for example, a hinge (illustrated subsequently with referenceto FIGS. 5, 6, 6A, and 6B), a linkage assembly (illustrated subsequentlywith reference to FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C), and a linkage assembly(illustrated with reference to FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A, and 10B). Asillustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 2, one or more of the templepieces 46, 47 can include electronics 60 mounted thereto (e.g., moldedor otherwise housed therein). Similarly, according to the embodiment ofFIG. 2, the frame 32 can include electronics 60 mounted thereto (e.g.,molded or otherwise housed therein).

According to the embodiment of FIG. 2, each of the temple pieces 41, 42can include a first portion 51 that is coupled to one of the respectiveconnection portions 41, 42 of the front piece 33. The temple pieces 46,47 can additionally include a second portion 52, such as curved orarcuate piece, for coupling to the ear of the user. In one embodiment,the front piece 33 can be formed from a single piece of material, tohave a unitary or integral construction. In one embodiment, such asillustrated in FIG. 1, the entire frame 32 can be formed from a singlepiece of material to have a unitary or integral construction. In otherembodiments, portions of the frame 32 such as the connection portions41, 42 need not be integral with the frame 32.

Eyewear 31 can include suitable electronics 60 such as a computingdevice, such as computer 61, which can be of any suitable type to becarried by the frame 32. In some embodiments, the electronics such asthe computer 61 can be at least partially disposed in one of the templepieces 46 and 47. As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 1, thecomputer 61 can sized and shaped similar to the size and shape of one ofthe temple pieces 46, 47 and is thus disposed almost entirely if notentirely within the structure and confines of such temple pieces 46 and47. In other embodiments, the computer can be sized and shaped to fitentirely within the frame 32. In other embodiments, the computer 61 canbe disposed in both of the temple pieces 46, 47. The computer 61 caninclude one or more processors with memory, wireless communicationmodules and circuitry, a power source, and the like. As described above,the computer 61 comprises low-power circuitry, high-speed circuitry, anda display processor. Various other embodiments may include theseelements in different configurations or integrated together in differentways and in different portions of the eyewear 31. Additional details ofaspects of computer 61 may be implemented with use of a camera device 69and other components (e.g. microphone, display, etc.). Further aspectsof the computer 61 may be implemented remotely as discussed in detailsubsequently.

The computer 61 additionally includes a battery 62 or other suitableportable power supply. In one embodiment, the battery 62 is disposed inone of the temple pieces 46 or 47. However, in other embodiments thebattery can be disposed in the frame 32 or in both the frame 32 and oneor more of the temple pieces 46, 47. In the eyewear 31 shown in FIG. 1,the battery 62 is shown as being disposed in left temple piece 46 andelectrically coupled using connection 74 to the remainder of thecomputer 61 disposed in the right temple piece 47. This arrangement canbe modified in other embodiments.

The computer 61 can couple to and/or communicate with one or moreexternal sources such as power, data, or power and data sources. Theseexternal sources can comprise input and output devices for theelectronics. As discussed previously, communication and/or charging ofthe electronics can be accomplished via one or more connectors such aspogo-pins, contacts, pads, magnet, micro-USB, ports, and the like.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 2, the eyewear 31 includes cameras69. Although two cameras are depicted, other embodiments contemplate theuse of a single or additional (i.e., more than two) cameras. In variousembodiments, eyewear 31 may include any number of input sensors orperipheral devices such as LEDs or other visual displays, microphones,and the like in addition to cameras 69. Front piece 33 is provided withan outward facing, forward-facing or front or outer surface 66 thatfaces forward or away from the user when the eyewear 31 are mounted onthe face of the user, and an opposite inward-facing, rearward-facing orrear or inner surface 67 that faces the face of the user when theeyewear 31 are mounted on the face of the user. Such sensors can includeinwardly-facing video sensors or digital imaging modules such as camerasthat can be mounted on or provided within the inner surface 67 of thefront piece 33 or elsewhere on the frame 32 so as to be facing the user,and outwardly-facing video sensors or digital imaging modules such ascameras 69 that can be mounted on or provided with the outer surface 66of the front piece 33 or elsewhere on the frame 32 so as to be facingaway from the user. Such sensors, peripheral devices or peripherals canadditionally include biometric sensors, location sensors, or any othersuch sensors. The electronics 60 can additionally include a videoprocessor such as a microprocessor integrated circuit (IC) customizedfor processing sensor data from cameras 69, along with volatile memoryused by the microprocessor to operate. Electronics 60 can additionallyinclude memory such any storage device capable of storing data generatedby the camera, the video processor, and other electronics. Memory can beintegrated with high-speed circuitry, can be an independent standaloneelement, or can be remote or integrated into the eyewear 31.

Many varieties of applications can be executed on a mobile device linkedto communicate with the eyewear 31, such as native applications (e.g.,applications programmed in Objective-C, Swift, or another suitablelanguage running on IOS™, or applications programmed in Java running onANDROID™), mobile web applications (e.g., applications written inHypertext Markup Language-5 (HTML5)), or hybrid applications (e.g., anative shell application that launches an HTML5 session. The mobiledevice can include a messaging app, an audio recording app, a cameraapp, a book reader app, a media app, a fitness app, a file managementapp, a location app, a browser app, a settings app, a contacts app, atelephone call app, or other apps (e.g., gaming apps, social networkingapps, biometric monitoring apps). In other examples, the mobile deviceincludes a social messaging app such as SNAPCHAT® that, consistent withsome embodiments, allows users to exchange ephemeral messages thatinclude media content. In this example, the social messaging app canincorporate aspects of embodiments described herein.

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of a system 110 according to one embodiment. Thesystem 110 can incorporate various aspects discussed in reference toFIGS. 1-2. According the example embodiment of FIG. 3, the system 110includes eyewear 112, a case 114, and a cable 116. The system 110 ofFIG. 3 focuses on various aspects used for providing power used byelectronics 118 of the eyewear 112. The electronics 118 include a firstconnector 120, a protection circuit 122, a battery 124, a computer 126,a memory 128 (e.g., flash storage), a display 130 (e.g., LCD, LED, andthe like), a sensor 132, a camera/microphone 134, a capture device 136(e.g., a button), and a wireless module 138. The case 114 includes afirst connector 140, a second connector 142, a battery 144, and aprotection circuit 146. The cable 116 includes a first connector 148 anda second connector 150.

The system 110 can operate and interact in a manner similar to thesystem 10 discussed in regards to FIGS. 1-1D. Thus, system 110illustrates the first connector 148 is configured to couple eitherdirectly to the first connector 120 of the eyeglasses 112 (as indicatedby the dashed line) or to the second connector 142 of the case 114 (asindicated by the solid line). In this manner, power can be provided tothe battery 124 housed in the eyewear 112. Thus, eyewear 112, inparticular the first connector 120, is configured to selectively coupleto and decouple from the first connector 140 of the case 114 and thefirst connector 148 of the cable 116. Such coupling and decoupling canbe accomplished in the manner previously discussed. The protectioncircuits 122 and 146 operate to protect electronics from surge that candamage operation of components. As previously discussed, the secondconnector 150 (e.g., USB) can be connected to an external source, suchas a power source, a data source, or a power and data source for powertransfer to and communication with electronics of the case 114 and theelectronics 118 of the eyewear 112.

The operation and other aspects of the electronics 118 have beendiscussed previously, and therefore, will not be discussed in greatdetail. According to the example embodiment of FIG. 3, the electronics118 can be mounted to the eyewear 112 (e.g., to the temple, to theframe, or to both the temple and the frame). According to otherembodiments, components described can be incorporated into the case 114or otherwise be remote from the eyewear 112. In FIG. 3, the battery 124is configured to operationally store charge. The system 110 includes acircuit 152, such as the protection circuit 122, coupled to the battery124 and configured to deliver a charge to and from the battery 124. Oneor more of the camera/microphone 134, the sensor 132, the displaydevice/indicator 130, the memory 128, the actuator 136, and the wirelessmodule 138 can be arranged in communication with the computer 126 asillustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of eyewear 212 showing a portion of a frame218 and a temple 220A. Eyewear 212 is constructed in a manner similar toglasses 12 previously discussed, and thus includes two temples (onlytemple 220A is illustrated in FIG. 4). According to the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 4, the eyewear 212 comprise smart eyewear, althoughin other examples the eyewear 212 can be conventional eyewear.

As discussed with respect to glasses 12 of FIG. 1, the frame 218 canalso include two opposing connection portions. However, only connectionportion 230 is illustrated in FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, the temple 220A isdisposed in wearable position with respect to the frame 218. Thisposition is sometimes referred to herein as a first position or a firstwearable position, herein. In this position, an end 232 of the temple220A interfaces with and covers portions of the connection portion 230.Thus, as will be illustrated subsequently, some electronic componentsmounted to the connection portion 230 of the frame 218, such as aconnector in the example form of a connection port 240 (FIG. 5), arecovered by the temple 220A when the temple 220A is in the firstposition. When covered, the port 240 is protected by and hidden fromview making the eyewear 212 more appealing and wearable to the user.

FIG. 5 shows the portions of the eyewear 212 including the frame 218 andthe temple 220A moved to the folded position to expose the port 240 andportions of the connection portion 230. As discussed in the overview,this position need not be entirely folded but sufficiently folded so asto expose port 240 for charging and/or data transfer. This position maybe referred to herein as a second position, a second folded position, ora charging position, herein. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5, theport 240 can comprise two contacts or pads, which can be waterproof.However, additional forms of connection including additional pads,micro-USB, port, etc. are anticipated. In FIG. 5, the port 240 ismounted in a projection 242 that extends from and is integral with theconnection portion 230. The projection 242 can comprise an integralportion of the frame 218 and can be formed with the remainder of theconnection portion 230 according to some embodiments. However, in otherembodiments the projection 242 and/or connection portion 230 may not beintegral with the frame 218. The projection 242 can comprise a portionof a hinge or other mechanism (not illustrated) according to someexample embodiments. In other example embodiments, the port 240 can bedisposed in the connection portion 230 adjacent (spaced from) the hingeor other coupling element. In still further embodiments, the port 240can be part of the hinge/coupling assembly between the frame 218 and thetemple 220A.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of eyewear 312 including a frame 318 anda temple 320A similar in some aspects to those previously discussed.Frame 318 can include a connection portion 330 and a port 340. Thetemple 320A can include electronics 318A (FIGS. 6A and 6B) including asecond port 350. According to the embodiment of FIG. 6, the port 340includes pads 342A, 342B and a magnet 344. The second port 350 includespins 352A, 352B and a magnet or magnetically attracted material 354. Theeyewear 312 also includes a hinge assembly 360. The hinge assemblyincludes hinge portions 362, 364, and 366.

The connection portion 330 (and the frame 318 in general) is configuredto mount the electronics including the port 340. Similar to theembodiment of FIG. 5, in the embodiment of FIG. 6 the port 340 can bedisposed on a projection 332 from the connection portion 330 and is on aface 334 that selectively interfaces with an end face 322 of the temple320A. However, in the embodiment of FIG. 6, the projection 332 comprisesa portion of a hinge assembly 360. As such, one or more hinge portions362 comprising part of the hinge assembly 360 extend generally laterallyfrom the projection 332 (e.g., generally laterally with respect to theface 334) adjacent the port 340. According to some embodiments theprojection 332 and hinge portions 362 are integrally formed as a singlepiece from the frame 318 (e.g., by injection molding). The hingeassembly 350 can further include hinge portions 364 and 366 of thetemple 320A, which correspond to and receive one or more hinge portionssuch as hinge portion 362 of the frame 318. According to the exampleprovide in FIG. 6, the hinge portions 364 and 366 can rotate about axisA relative to the hinge portion 362 of the frame 318.

As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 6, the second port 350including the pins 352A and 352B are disposed adjacent (i.e. spacedfrom) the hinge assembly 360 including the hinge portions 364 and 366.According to other embodiments, the second port 350 can be disposed onthe hinge assembly 360 similar to the manner of the port 340.

The second port 350 is configured to interface and contact the port 340when the temple 320A is disposed in the first wearable position of FIG.4. More particularly, the pins 352A and 352B are configured to makecontact with the pads 342A and 342B. Such contact can provide for powerand/or data transfer between electronics of the temple 320A andelectronics of the frame 318. In such position, the face 334 and theport 340 of the connection portion 330 is substantially covered by theend face 322 of the temple 320A.

In the folded position illustrated in FIG. 6, the port 340 of the frame318 is uncovered and exposed by movement of the temple 320A relative tothe frame 318 as temple 320A can pivot about axis A relative to frame318 and port 340. This movement uncouples the port 340 from the secondport 350 and exposes both connectors 340 and 350 to be coupled toanother connector such as one coupled to an external source of power,data, or power and data as discussed previously.

FIG. 6A is a plan view showing a top portion of the temple 320A. FIG. 6Bis a side view of the temple 320A. Together FIGS. 6A and 6B that providefurther illustration of portions of the temple 320A of FIG. 6 but do notillustrate magnet 354 (FIG. 6). As discussed the temple 320A includes anend face 322 having the second port 350 (e.g., pins 352A and 352B inFIG. 6B) mounted to extend therefrom. The second port 350 is spaced fromthe hinge portions 364 (FIG. 6B) and 366. The temple 320A can alsoinclude additional electronics 318A such as a battery, which isconfigured to operationally store charge, a circuit that is coupled tothe battery and configured to deliver a charge to and from the battery,a computer, and additional devices. The additional devices can includeone or more of a camera, a microphone, a sensor, a display device, anindicator, a memory, an actuator, and a wireless module in communicationwith the computer.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method 400 according to one embodiment. The method400 can include coupling 402 a battery with a charging circuit, coupling404 the charging circuit to a connector that is configured to beselectively coupled to and decoupled from an external power source, andmounting 406 the battery, the charging circuit, and at least a portionof the connector to eyewear, the connector interfacing an area between aframe of the eyewear and a temple of the eyewear when the temple is in awearable position.

According to some embodiments, the step of mounting can includeenclosing the battery, the charging circuit, and the at least a portionof the connector in one or both of the frame or temple. The frame can becoupled to the temple with a hinge. The connector is disposed adjacentto or as part of the hinge such that the connector is covered by one ofthe frame or hinge when the frame is in a first extended position andthe connector is exposed for coupling to or decoupling from the externalpower source when the frame is in a second folded position. According tosome embodiments, the method 400 can further include coupling thebattery, the charging circuit, and at least a portion of the connectorto one or more of a computer, and one or more of a camera, microphone, asensor, a display device, an indicator, a memory, an actuator, and awireless module in communication with the computer. The method 400 canalso provide a case configured to receive the eyewear therein with thetemple in the second folded position. The case can be configured as theexternal power source and have a second connector configured to matewith the connector of the eyewear. In some example embodiments, a cablecan be provided that can be configured to mount to the area of theeyewear comprising at least one of a hinge portion of the frame or ahinge portion of the temple. The cable can include a connectorconfigured to mate with the connector of the eyewear and a secondconnector configured to couple to the external power source. Accordingto other embodiments, the connector can further comprise a communicationport configured to be selectively coupled to and decoupled from anexternal data source.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C illustrate eyewear 512 according to another exampleembodiment. The eyewear 512 includes a frame 518 and a temple 520A, onlya portion of each is shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C. The frame 518includes electronics 525 including a port 540. The eyewear 512 alsoincludes a linkage assembly 560 including a member 562 and pins 564 and566.

Similar to the other embodiments discussed previously, the frame 518includes a connection portion 530 configured to house at least some ofthe electronics 525 including the port 540. The temple 520A is coupledto the frame 518 at the connection portion 530. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C, such coupling is accomplished by the linkageassembly 560. The port 540 can be disposed adjacent the linkage assembly560 as illustrated and can be exposed with movement of the temple 520Aand the linkage assembly 560.

According to the example embodiment of FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C, the linkageassembly 560 can be pivotally coupled at a first end portion (e.g. bythe pin 564) to the temple 520A and pivotally coupled at a second endportion (e.g. by the pin 566) to the connection portion 530. Thus, themember 562 can pivot about two axes as defined by pins 564 and 566. Asis illustrated in FIG. 8C, this dual axis pivoting allows connector 540to be more readily exposed, and additionally provides temples (e.g.,temple 520A) can be folded closer to a front of the frame 518. Thelinkage assembly 560 can be configured to move with movement of thetemple 520A between the first wearable position and the second foldedposition as discussed previously.

In FIG. 8A, the temple 520A is illustrated in the first wearableposition relative to the frame 518. The linkage assembly 560 is disposedsubstantially between the temple 520A and the frame 518 when the temple520A is in the first wearable position. In the position of FIG. 8A, thelinkage assembly 560 can be received in receptacles or shaped recessesof the connection portion 530 and an end of the temple 520A and can besubstantially almost entirely covered by the temple 520A and the frame518. Similarly, in the first wearable position the port 540 is coveredby the temple 520A as discussed with respect to previous embodiments.

In FIG. 8B, the temple 520A is illustrated as moved to a folded positionbetween the wearable position and a fully folded position. The foldedposition allows the port 540 to be uncovered from the temple 520A andadequately exposed such that another connector (e.g., from a cable orcase) could be coupled to or decoupled from the port 540. As illustratedin FIG. 8B, the linkage assembly 560 moves along with movement of thetemple 520A and is now partially exposed. A reminder of the member 562is received in the temple 520A and the frame 518 at opposing endportions thereof.

In FIG. 8C, the temple 520A is shown in a fully folded position relativeto the frame 518. With the temple 520A in such position, the port 540 isexposed for connection to an external source. In the fully foldedposition, the linkage assembly 560 is disposed substantially orthogonalto and offset from the connection portion 530. More particularly, thelinkage assembly 560 is disposed substantially orthogonal to and offsetfrom a face 532 of the connection portion 530.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C, the linkage assembly 560 allows thetemple 520A to be folded to a position closer to a forward (eye) portionof the frame 518. This creates a slimmer profile for the eyewear 512allowing the eyewear 512 (conventional or smart eyewear) to more easilyfit into a pocket, a case, or another object. The linkage assembly 560also more fully exposes the port 540 than could otherwise be achievedwith a hinge assembly. Thus, with the linkage assembly 560 the port 540can be accessed more easily without having to move the temple 520A to afolded position (although as discussed above a fully folded position isnot necessary for facilitating access to the connector even whenutilizing a hinge assembly).

FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate another embodiment of eyewear 612 that includes alinkage assembly 660 in addition to a frame 618 and a temple 620A. Asshown in the embodiment of FIGS. 9A-9C, the frame 618 includes aconnection portion 630. The linkage assembly 660 includes a first member662, a second member 664, and pin connections 666A, 666B, and 666C (FIG.6A).

As illustrated in FIG. 9A, the first member 662 is pivotally coupled tothe frame 618 at a first location 670A and is pivotally coupled to thetemple 620A at a second location 670B. Similarly, the second member 664is pivotally coupled to the frame 618 at a third location 670C andpivotally coupled to the temple 620A at a fourth location 670D.According to the embodiment of FIG. 9A, the first location 670A, thesecond location 670B, the third location 670C, and the fourth location670D comprise the pin connections 666A, 666B, and 666C. As used hereinthe term pin connection includes a linkage, a member, an integral pin, aremovable pin, and any other item known in the art to provide forpivoting movement.

In the embodiment of FIG. 9A, a length of the second member 664 exceedsa length of the first member 662. According to the embodiment of FIG.9A, the first and third locations are generally aligned with one anotherand are disposed in a stacked arrangement. The second and fourthlocations are offset from one another and are not stacked. Thisarrangement allows the first member 662 and the second member 664 toshare a single common pin connection 666B to the frame 618. This commonpin (king pin) connection 666B is offset (non-symmetrically disposed) inthe connection portion 630 so as to be disposed adjacent an interiorface 634 interfacing portion of the frame 618. The pin connections 666A,666B, and 666C can be components that are integrally formed with theframe 618 or the temple 620A or can be separate components as desired.According to other embodiments, the linkage assembly may not utilize asingle common pin connection, may not include pivot locations that aregenerally aligned such as the first and third locations, or the like.According to further embodiments, the pivot locations with the temple620A may be generally aligned and stacked as illustrated and describedin addition to or in alternative to the pivot locations (i.e. the firstand third locations) with the temple 618.

Also illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 9A, the first member 662 isreceived in a first recess 674 of the temple 620A and the second member664 is received in a second recess 676 of the temple 620A. A first wall680 of the first recess 674 acts as a stop for the first member 662 whenthe temple 620A is in the first position as shown in FIG. 9A.Additionally, a second wall 682 of the first recess 674 acts as a stopfor the first member 662 when the temple 320A is in the second position.Similarly, the second recess 676 can have first and second walls 684 and686 that can act as stops for the second member 664 when the temple 320Ais in the first and second positions, respectively.

The arrangement such as illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B along with theposition common pin connection 666B inward adjacent the wearers templeallows the temple 620A to be folded closely to the frame 618 to create aslim and wearable stowed profile. Such slim stowed profile is also addedby connections 666A, 666B, and 666C, which allow for pivoting of eachmember 662 and 664 about two axes. For example first member 662 canpivot around axis A₃ in addition to axis A₁. Similarly, the secondmember 664 can pivot around axis A₂ in addition to axis A₁. Dualpivoting of each member 662 and 664, the position of the king pinconnection 66B, and use of internal cavities receiving the members 662and 664 in the temple 620A allow for positioning of the temple 620Arelatively close to the frame 618.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate another embodiment of eyewear 712 includinga frame 718, temples 720A and 720B, and a linkage assemblies 760.

Each linkage assembly 760 is constructed and arranged in a mannersimilar to that of linkage assembly 660, and therefore, will not bediscussed in great detail. According to the embodiment of FIGS. 10A and10B the eyewear 712, in particular, the frame 718 includes electronics725 including a first connector 740 mounted to the connection portion730.

As discussed with respect to other embodiments, the electronics 725 caninclude a battery, which is configured to operationally store charge, acircuit that is coupled to the battery and configured to deliver acharge to and from the battery, a computer, and additional devices. Theadditional devices can include one or more of a camera, a microphone, asensor, a display device, an indicator, a memory, an actuator, and awireless module in communication with the computer.

FIG. 10A illustrates both temples 720A and 720B disposed in the firstwearable position. In such position, each linkage assembly 760 isdisposed generally between the frame 718 and the temples 720A and 720B.FIG. 10B illustrates one of the temples 720A moved to the second foldedposition. Due to the configuration of the frame 718 and the temple 720A,the linkage assembly 760 may be at least somewhat exposed to view andaccess at pivoting end portions that are coupled to the frame 718according to the embodiment of FIG. 10B. FIG. 10B also illustrates thatthe first connector 740 is exposed for coupling and decoupling to anexternal source when the temple 720A is disposed in the second position.

As illustrated in FIG. 10B, an amount of pivotal movement (indicated bysymbol α) of a first member 762 differs from an amount of pivotalmovement (indicated by symbol β) of a second member 764 with movement ofthe temple 720A between the first wearable position (FIG. 10A) and thesecond folded position (FIG. 10B).

Similar to the linkage assembly 560 of FIGS. 8A-8C, the linkageassemblies 660 and 760 discussed herein allow the temple 620A, 720A tobe folded to a position closer to a forward (eye) portion of the frame618, 718. This creates a slimmer profile for the eyewear 612, 712allowing the eyewear 612, 712 (conventional or smart eyewear) to moreeasily fit into a pocket, a case, or another object. The linkageassembly 760 also more fully exposes the first connector 740 than couldotherwise be achieved with a simple hinge assembly. Thus, with thelinkage assembly 760 the first connector 740 can be accessed more easilywithout having to move the temple 720A to a fully folded position(although as discussed above a fully folded position is not necessaryfor facilitating access to the connector utilizing a hinge assembly).

The above-described example embodiments provide apparatuses, systems andmethods that allow eyewear (both conventional and smart) and otherwearable objects to be more functional (e.g. slimmer, more portable,more easily coupled to other external sources) as well as more wearableand aesthetically pleasing. Certain embodiments described in detailherein include smart eyewear. One aspect of the disclosure compriseseyewear that includes electronics, a frame, and a temple. The frame canhave two opposing connection portions, at least one of the connectionportions housing a first connector for the electronics mounted to theframe. The temple can be coupled to the one of the connection portionsand can be selectively moveable between a first position in which thefirst connector is covered by the temple and a second position in whichthe first connector is exposed for coupling to an external source.

According to one embodiment, the wearable device includes a body,electronics, and a connector. The body is configured to hold one or moreoptical elements, the body being disposable between a collapsedcondition and a wearable condition in which the device is wearable by auser to hold the one or more optical elements within user view. Theelectronics are carried by the body. The connector is configured toenable establishment of an electrical and/or electronic connection withthe electronics via the connector, the connector being housed by thebody such that the connector is substantially obscured from view whenthe body is in the wearable condition, and such that the connector isexposed for connective access when the body is in the collapsedcondition.

According to disclosed embodiments, the electronics can be mounted tothe frame, the temple(s), or both the frame and the temple of theeyewear. Such electronics can include a battery, which can be configuredto operationally store charge, a circuit that can be coupled to thebattery and configured to deliver a charge to and from the battery, acomputer, and additional devices. The additional devices can include oneor more of a camera, a microphone, a sensor, a display device, anindicator, a memory, an actuator, and a wireless module in communicationwith the computer.

In further embodiments, the disclosed connectors can include a magnet ora material that is attracted to a magnetic field. The magnet (orattractable material) can facilitate coupling of the external source tothe connector. The eyewear can further include a hinge assembly couplingthe frame to the temple, where the connection portions include one ormore hinge projections configured to receive a pin of the hingeassembly. In some embodiments, the first connector can be part of ordisposed adjacent to the hinge assembly.

According to some embodiments, a system is disclosed that can includeeyewear and a case. The eyewear can comprise a frame and a temple. Theeyewear can be configured to receive electronics including a firstconnector. The first connector can be disposed at a portion of theeyewear that selectively interfaces with and is covered by one of thetemple or the frame when the temple is coupled to the frame and disposedin a first wearable position and is exposed when the temple is coupledto the frame and disposed in a second folded position. The case can beconfigured to receive the frame and the temple therein with the templedisposed in the second position relative to the frame. The case caninclude a second connector configured to couple to the first connectorof the eyewear. The case can be configured to house a battery thatpowers the electronics mounted to the eyewear.

According to further embodiments, the system can include a cableconfigured to couple to the first connector of the eyewear when thetemple is disposed substantially in the second position and configuredto couple to at least one of the second connector or a third connectorof the case. The cable can be configured to couple with an externalsource of power, data, or power and data for the electronics mounted tothe eyewear. According to further embodiments, at least one of theframe, the temple, and the case can be configured to house theelectronics.

The disclosed example embodiments also include a wearable deviceincluding a frame, a temple, electronics, and a linkage assembly. Theframe can have two opposing connection portions and the temple can beconfigured to selectively interface with one of the two connectionportions. The electronics can be mounted to at least one of the templeand the frame. The linkage assembly can be pivotally coupled at a firstend portion to the temple and pivotally coupled at a second end portionto the one of the two connection portions. The linkage assembly can beconfigured for movement with movement of the temple between a wearableposition and a folded position.

According to further embodiments, the linkage system can comprise alinkage including a first member and a second member. The first membercan be pivotally coupled to the frame at a first location and pivotallycoupled to the temple at a second location. The second member can bepivotally coupled to the frame at a third location and pivotally coupledto the temple at a fourth location. A length of the second member canexceed a length of the first member.

In additional embodiments, an amount of pivotal movement of the firstmember can differ from an amount of pivotal movement of the secondmember with movement of the temple between a first wearable position anda second folded position. The first location, the second location, thethird location, and the fourth location can comprise pin connections.The first member and the second member can share at least one common pinconnection to the frame. The common pin can be offset in the oneconnection portion so as to be disposed adjacent an interior faceinterfacing portion of the frame. Additionally, the first member can bereceived in a first recess of the temple and the second member can bereceived in a second recess of the temple. A first wall of the firstrecess can act as a stop for the first member when the temple is in thefirst position and a second wall of the first recess acts as a stop forthe first member when the temple is in the second position.

This disclosure applies to both “smart” eyewear (e.g., those haveelectronics mounted thereto) and to conventional eyewear. Smart eyewearincludes electronics such as a power source, power and communicationrelated circuitry, communication devices (e.g., a camera, a microphone,sensors, etc.), display devices, a computer, a memory, and/or the like.As used herein, conventional eyewear makes no use of electronics and ispurely mechanical and optical in nature. Examples of conventionaleyewear include prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, and constructionglasses.

Language

Throughout this specification, plural instances may implementcomponents, operations, or structures described as a single instance.Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustratedand described as separate operations, one or more of the individualoperations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that theoperations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures andfunctionality presented as separate components in example configurationsmay be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly,structures and functionality presented as a single component may beimplemented as separate components. These and other variations,modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of thesubject matter herein.

Although an overview of the inventive subject matter has been describedwith reference to specific example embodiments, various modificationsand changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from thebroader scope of embodiments of the present disclosure. Such embodimentsof the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein, individuallyor collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience andwithout intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application toany single disclosure or inventive concept if more than one is, in fact,disclosed.

The embodiments illustrated herein are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the teachings disclosed.Other embodiments may be used and derived therefrom, such thatstructural and logical substitutions and changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of this disclosure. The Detailed Description,therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope ofvarious embodiments is defined only by the appended claims, along withthe full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

As used herein, the term “or” may be construed in either an inclusive orexclusive sense. Moreover, plural instances may be provided forresources, operations, or structures described herein as a singleinstance. Additionally, boundaries between various resources,operations, modules, engines, and data stores are somewhat arbitrary,and particular operations are illustrated in a context of specificillustrative configurations. Other allocations of functionality areenvisioned and may fall within a scope of various embodiments of thepresent disclosure. In general, structures and functionality presentedas separate resources in the example configurations may be implementedas a combined structure or resource. Similarly, structures andfunctionality presented as a single resource may be implemented asseparate resources. These and other variations, modifications,additions, and improvements fall within a scope of embodiments of thepresent disclosure as represented by the appended claims. Thespecification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wearable device comprising: a body having a frame configured to hold one or more optical elements, the body having a temple being disposable between a collapsed condition and a wearable condition in which the device is wearable by a user to hold the one or more optical elements within user view; electronics carried by the body including a battery carried by the temple and one or more additional electronics carried by the frame; and a connector disposed between the temple and the frame so as to be substantially obscured from the view when the temple is in the wearable condition, the connector is configured to enable establishment of an electrical and/or electronic connection between the battery and the additional electronics of the frame via the connector when the temple is in the wearable condition, and the connector is exposed and configured to couple with a second connector to establish a second electrical and/or electronic connection between an external source and the battery when the temple is in the collapsed condition.
 2. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein the frame has two opposing connection portions, at least one of the connection portions housing the connector and the electronics mounted to the frame.
 3. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein the temple includes the connector and is configured to house electronics and a frame includes a correspondingly configured connector configured to couple to the connector of the temple when in the wearable position.
 4. The wearable device of claim 3, wherein the correspondingly configured connector is configured for coupling to the external source.
 5. The wearable device of claim 3, wherein the electronics of the temple comprise at least one of: a circuit coupled to the battery and configured to deliver a charge to and from the battery; a computer; and one or more of a camera, a microphone, a sensor, a display device, an indicator, a memory, an actuator, and a wireless module in communication with the computer.
 6. The wearable device of claim 3, wherein at least one of the connector and the correspondingly configured connector include a magnet or an attractable material, the magnet or attractable material facilitating coupling of the external source to the connector or the correspondingly configured connector.
 7. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein the electronics comprise at least one of: a circuit coupled to the battery and configured to deliver a charge to and from the battery; a computer; and one or more of a camera, a microphone, a sensor, a display device, an indicator, a memory, an actuator, and a wireless module in communication with the computer.
 8. The wearable device of claim 1, further comprising a hinge assembly coupling the frame to the temple, wherein the connection portions include one or more hinge projections configured to receive a pin of the hinge assembly, and wherein the connector is part of or disposed adjacent to the hinge assembly.
 9. The wearable device of claim 1, further comprising a case configured to receive the body therein in the collapsed condition, the case configured to house a battery that is the external source of power for the electronics mounted to the body.
 10. The wearable device of claim 1, wherein the connector is configured to transfer at least one of a power, a data, and both power and data for the electronics.
 11. A system including a wearable device, the system comprising: eyewear comprising a frame and a temple, tile eyewear configured to receive electronics including a first connector and a first battery, the first connector is disposed at a portion of the eyewear that selectively interfaces with and is covered by one of the temple or the frame when the temple is coupled to the frame and disposed in a first wearable position, the first connector is exposed when the temple is coupled to the frame and disposed in a second folded position; and a case configured to receive the frame and the temple therein with the temple disposed in the second position relative to the frame, the case including a second connector configured to couple to the first connector of the eyewear with the first connector exposed, the case configured to house a second battery that supplies a charge to the electronics mounted to the eyewear including the first battery.
 12. The system of claim 11, further comprising: a cable configured to couple to the first connector of the eyewear when the temple is disposed in the second position and configured to couple to at least one of the second connector or a third connector of the case, wherein the cable is configured to couple with an external source of power, data, or power and data for the electronics mounted to the eyewear.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein at least one of the frame and the temple are configured to house the electronics and the electronics comprise at least one of: a circuit coupled to the first battery and configured to deliver a charge to and from the first battery; a computer; and one or more of a camera, microphone, a sensor, a display device, an indicator, a memory, an actuator, and a wireless module in communication with the computer.
 14. The system of claim 11, further comprising a hinge assembly configured to couple the frame to the temple, wherein the first connector is part of or is disposed adjacent the hinge assembly.
 15. The system of claim 11, wherein at least one of the first connector and the second connector and the case include a magnet, the magnet facilitating coupling of one of the first connector and the second connector.
 16. A method comprising: coupling a battery with a charging circuit; coupling the charging circuit to a connector that is configured to be selectively coupled to and decoupled from an external power source; and mounting the battery, the charging circuit, and at least a portion of the connector to eyewear, the connector interfacing an area between a frame of the eyewear and a temple of the eyewear when the temple is a wearable position; and coupling the frame to the temple with a hinge, the connector disposed adjacent to or as part of the hinge such that the connector is covered by one of the frame or hinge when the frame is in a first extended position and the connector is exposed for coupling to or decoupling from the external power source when the frame is in a second folded position.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of mounting includes enclosing the battery, the charging circuit, and the at least a portion of the connector in one or both of the frame or temple.
 18. The method of claim 16, further comprising coupling the battery, the charging circuit, and at least a portion of the connector to one or more of: a computer; and one or more of a camera, microphone, a sensor, a display device, an indicator, a memory, an actuator, and a wireless module in communication with the computer.
 19. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing a case configured to receive the eyewear therein with the temple in the second folded position, the case configured as the external power source and having a second connector configured to mate with the connector of the eyewear.
 20. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing a cable configured to mount to the area of the eyewear comprising at least one of a hinge portion of the frame or a hinge portion of the temple, wherein the cable includes a connector configured to mate with the connector of the eyewear and includes a second connector configured to couple to the external power source.
 21. The method of claim 16, wherein the connector further comprises a communication port configured to be selectively coupled to and decoupled from an external data source. 